Temperatures are rising and school is finally out for summer! But for many of our neighbors, these next three months are no vacation. In Minnesota, 1 in 4 households with children lack regular access to nutritious food – and this gap only deepens during the summer months.
When the final school bell rings, the safety net of school breakfast and lunch disappears, meaning families must stretch their budgets to cover the additional meals. On top of it all, gas and grocery prices are on the rise, making it even more difficult for many in our community to keep enough food on the table.
For our youngest neighbors, this matters deeply. Growing minds and bodies need consistent, nutritious food to stay healthy and energized all year round. But fresh, nourishing options like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein are often the hardest to come by and most expensive to afford.
That’s why this summer, CEAP is stepping in.
Our Summer at CEAP program provides families with Farm Fresh produce boxes in addition to their food order. From tomatoes and cucumbers to berries and more, these items help families access the kinds of food that are often out of reach.
We also offer families summer kits with healthy snacks and summer essentials. These are small but meaningful supports that help make summer a little easier for families balancing tighter budgets.
And as summer comes to a close, CEAP helps prepare families for what’s next. In August, we’re distributing backpacks filled with school supplies, ensuring students can start the new school year ready to learn and succeed.
Together, these efforts make up Summer at CEAP – allowing us to respond to need in our community.
But we can’t do it without you. Here are a few ways you can get involved and support our community this summer!
Donate: Thanks to matching funds from Allina Health, North Memorial, Andersen Foundation, CHS Foundation, and Luther Brookdale Honda, all donations up to $41,000 will be matched. Double your impact today! >>
Volunteer: Whether you’re packing orders in the Food Market, sorting donations in our thrift store, or delivering a meal to a homebound neighbor, you’re making a difference in our community. Get involved! >>
Host a Drive: Gather your friends, neighbors, or coworkers, and host a school supply drive for our neighbors! Learn more! >>
For families, this support is incredibly meaningful. Nicole, a participant in CEAP’s food market shared that, “being able to come to CEAP helps me spread my resources. It takes pressure off other areas in my life, and you never have to worry or wonder about the quality of the food you’ll receive!”
That sense of relief is exactly what Summer at CEAP is designed to provide.
In a time where families are stretching every dollar and navigating new challenges, access to consistent, healthy food can make all the difference. It creates stability, supports well-being, and allows seniors, individuals, and families in our community to focus on what matters most.
Join us in supporting our neighbors this summer.
